By Jeff Edgerton, RotoWire
LAS VEGAS — The Houston Rockets bested the Brooklyn Nets, 109-102, in the first round of the Las Vegas Summer League playoffs at Cox Pavilion on Wednesday.
Houston held the lead from the opening tip-off and never relinquished it. Despite an explosive third quarter from the Nets, the 28th seed could only keep pace with Houston in that stanza and faded from contention in the fourth quarter.
The Rockets had seven players log double-digit scoring performances, with USC product De’Anthony Melton posting yet another impressive game with 17 points, five rebounds and three steals across 33 minutes on the floor. Danuel House also continued his superlative summer league campaign with 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
The Nets were led by Milton Doyle, who scored 21 points off the bench. Jarrett Allen, who will become a key player for the Nets in his sophomore season, also contributed with a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double.
The Rockets will move on to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs on Saturday, while the Nets currently await their consolation matchup.
